Oxum and Siren, deities of fresh waters. The water crisis in a comparative reading between Geferson Santana's novel Mar Grande and andean oral stories from northern Chile

Abstract

In this work we propose a comparative reading between the novel Mar Grande by Brazilian Geferson Santana (2016), where a constant reference to the goddess of fresh waters Oxum is observed, and traditional Andean stories about Sireno, a deity of the waters. Andean, collected by researchers in the extreme north of Chile. We argue that literary representations of water spiritualities can offer critical reflection on water scarcity and suggest possible responses to this water crisis. Through this analysis we value the deep knowledge reflected in the cultural practices of Afro-descendant and Andean communities, which is present in the texts of the corpus. To explore the intersection between literatures, cultural practices and the humanitarian water crisis, we draw on ecocritical and decolonial perspectives. We reflect on the water crisis and the factors that influence it, such as drought and industrialization, highlighting the need to rethink our ways of thinking, living and relating to nature and resort to more sustainable and equitable alternatives.